Chapter 11

"This is the training ground of the knight's order."

"Hmm, it's indeed a good place, and it's spacious too."

The day after we successfully found lodging.

I was led by Alyssia to the training ground within the knight's order headquarters.

Incidentally, the inn we chose was a cheap one located a bit away from both the headquarters and the guild, off the main street. It was convenient because there were many grocery and dining stores nearby, and a blacksmith was close by, which was a big plus.

Alyssia seemed a bit sulky for some reason, but I decided not to worry about it too much.

The reason being, what Sarena considered a "cheap and good inn" translated to a "fairly expensive and good inn" by my standards.

After all, she was a Black Rank adventurer, with a much higher income. While I could afford it, I wanted to keep expenses in check if I planned to stay for a long time. The area around the headquarters and the guild was the city center, so the accommodation costs were naturally higher.

Sarena had suggested, "Since you're a teacher, you should stay at a better inn," but I insisted that this one was fine for me.

I didn't intend to be extravagant, and as long as the basic conditions were met, I had no complaints. I originally came from a rural area, so I wasn't particular about such things.

"Basically, everyone trains here as they see fit."

"Yeah, it looks that way."

Returning my thoughts to the training ground, I saw that quite a number of knights were already training.

Some were practicing swordsmanship against wooden dummies, others were engaged in mock battles, some were doing strength training, and a few were taking a break. It was quite a diverse scene.

"Everyone, attention!"

Alyssia's strong voice echoed.

Everyone in the training ground stopped what they were doing at her command.

"Due to a change in the schedule, we will have Mr. Beryl join us as a trainer starting today. Everyone, I expect you to train even harder."

"I apologize for losing focus. It's a pleasure to have you join us today."

The gazes of the knights were piercing.

I had been introduced, but there was still a sense of doubt, as if they were wondering, "Who is this guy?" It's understandable; it must be unsettling to suddenly have an older man show up.

"Please wait, Captain."

"...Hembritz? What is it?"

The training ground, which had been silent for a moment, was broken by a young man approaching us.

He was the one who had been quietly training against a wooden dummy earlier.

He was probably a bit older than Alyssia. He had slightly tanned skin, a high nose, and sharp eyes. His toned body, visible through his undershirt, showed that he was well-trained.

"We are the proud Reberio Knights. We have high standards for our trainers. I'm not doubting Mr. Beryl, but I would like to see his skills."

Hembritz's gaze was straight and intense.

I see. I had noticed some hostile gazes during the introduction, and now I know the source. He doesn't look down on me, but I can feel a strong sense of "What can you do?"

"Alyssia, who is he?"

"Hembritz Drought. He is the deputy captain of the Reberio Knights."

"Hmm, the deputy captain, huh."

Wow, quite a big deal. A bit intimidating.

"However, this is also a good opportunity to show your skills."

"Huh?"

Is he serious?

"Mr. Beryl, I know this is abrupt, but I would like to spar with you."

With that, he thrust a wooden sword in front of me.

This is a situation I can't back out of. What a dilemma. I guess I have no choice but to do it.

"Since it's a special occasion, should we gather the other knights as well?"

"Huh?"

Seriously?

If I mess up, everyone will see my true skills and might be disappointed.

I'm not trying to put on a show, but being publicly humiliated in front of the knights would be more than just embarrassing.

But I can't say no. After all, I'm the trainer now. Tough luck.

"Are both of you ready?"

"I'm ready."

"...I'm ready too."

So, thanks to Alyssia's authority as captain, a number of knights were called to watch the mock battle. Alyssia herself would act as the referee.

"Hey, what's going on here?"

"Didn't you hear? It's a mock battle between the new trainer, Mr. Beryl, and Deputy Captain Hembritz."

"Really? It's been a while since we've seen Deputy Captain's sword skills."

I could hear the excitement in the surrounding knights.

It seems Deputy Captain Hembritz is well-respected among the knights.

Indeed, while he has a youthful appearance and demeanor, his dedication to martial arts is evident.

He probably has some reservations about me being suddenly appointed as a trainer.

I can understand his feelings.

He must be proud of the knight's order. It's not easy to accept a sudden outsider. If I were in his position, I would feel the same.

"Mr. Beryl, please do your best."

"Yes, the same to you."

In the center of the training ground, we bowed to each other.

It was a proper bow. I can understand his perspective, and I can tell he's not a bad person.

The gazes of the surrounding knights seemed to be filled with expectation and excitement.

Most of it was directed at Hembritz, of course. His skills and character must have earned him a lot of respect.

Now, the deputy captain of the Reberio Knights and I are about to engage in a mock battle, even if it's just a practice match.

Why did it come to this?

I'm just a regular old man from a small town.

But since it's come to this, there's no choice.

I'll do my best not to lose in an embarrassing way.

--- Focus.

In front of me, Hembritz was holding his wooden sword, his gaze intense and almost hostile.

Oh, I can't take this lightly.

"Begin!"

Alyssia's command echoed through the training ground.

At the same moment, my eyes caught Hembritz's swift movement as he charged forward.

Thank you very much for your support. I really appreciate it.

From now on, I plan to update every night (probably around 8 PM).

I will strive to create something that you all find interesting. Thank you for your continued support.